LCNUK Conference 2024: A Gathering to Advance Lung Cancer Care
The Lung Cancer Nursing UK (LCNUK) Conference 2024, held in Glasgow on 20 and 21 June, was a pivotal event for the lung cancer community. This annual gathering brings together a diverse group of professionals, including lung cancer nurses, oncologists, researchers, representatives from charities and pharmaceutical companies.
We attended the LCNUK Conference 2024 to raise awareness of non-smoking lung cancer, a cause central to our mission at the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Additionally, we were also pleased to engage with professionals and learn from the latest developments in lung cancer care.
Fostering Innovation Through Participation in the LCNUK Conference
“Participating in events like these is essential for our mission,” Deepa Doshi, Head of Mission at the Ruth Strauss Foundation, explained. “It allows us to stay at the forefront of lung cancer care and ensures that we are providing the best possible support and information to those affected.”
As a result, this conference serves as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care for lung cancer patients across the United Kingdom.
Emphasis on Genomics and Targeted Therapies
The Role of Genomics in Lung Cancer Treatment
Improved Quality of Life with Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies not only improve the effectiveness of treatment but also reduce the severe side effects associated with traditional therapies like chemotherapy. In this way, targeted therapies aim at cancer-specific pathways while largely protecting healthy cells. Consequently, such therapies improve patients’ quality of life and allow for prolonged treatment without compromising overall wellbeing.
Highlighting the Patient Perspective in Cancer Care During LCNUK Conference 2024
Professor Gini Harrison’s Key Contributions
Patient quality of life was a central theme throughout the conference, underscored by powerful presentations and discussions. Among the key contributors was Gini Harrison, a Professor of Psychology, EGFR Positive UK (EGFR+ UK) Research Trustee, Non-smoking lung cancer lead, RSF, and a mother of two. Professor Harrison was diagnosed with stage IV non-smoking lung cancer and has been a vocal advocate for patient-centred care.
Communication in Cancer Care: Bridging the Gap
At the LCNUK Conference 2024, Professor Harrison co-presented with Dr Holly McGuigan on the issue of communication in cancer care, particularly in end-of-life discussions. Their talk emphasised the often-significant gap between what healthcare providers believe they have communicated and what patients actually understand. The session highlighted the importance of clear, compassionate communication to minimise patient distress, especially when dealing with such sensitive topics.
”"It's crucial that we bridge this communication gap to ensure patients feel understood and supported. Patients often leave discussions feeling confused or uncertain, which can increase their anxiety and distress. Therefore, we need to focus on clear, empathetic communication to truly meet their needs during such challenging times."
Professor Gini HarrisonResearch Trustee, EGFR Positive UK (EGFR+ UK)
Addressing Patient Wellbeing: Insights from Poster Sessions
Psychological Support for Lung Cancer Patients
The focus on patient wellbeing extended beyond the main stage to the conference’s poster sessions. Poster sessions are a key component of academic and medical conferences, where researchers and practitioners present their work on large display boards (posters) in a more informal setting. In this way, this format allows attendees to engage directly with the presenters, ask questions, and discuss the details of the research being showcased.
The winning poster, presented by Lynn Calman’s group from the University of Southampton, and the runner-up, authored by Professor Gini Harrison, Research Trustee at EGFR Positive UK (EGFR+ UK), both highlighted the urgent need for psychological support in lung cancer care.
Professor Harrison’s presentation revealed that one in three lung cancer patients experience clinical levels of anxiety, and one in four suffer from diagnosable depression. “These statistics highlight a critical issue,” Professor Harrison stated, “Patients are not only dealing with cancer but are also facing significant mental health challenges.”
The Urgent Need for Accessible Psychological Care
Alarmingly, the research also indicated that half of these patients either lack access to counselling services or are unaware of such resources within their hospital settings. This points to a significant gap in the support available to lung cancer patients and emphasizes the urgent need for more accessible and visible psychological care.
”"Patients are not only dealing with cancer but are also facing significant mental health challenges."
Professor Gini HarrisonResearch Trustee, EGFR Positive UK (EGFR+ UK)
In response to these challenges, the conference explored the potential of using online methods to deliver psychological support, a topic featured in a poster from Oxford Brookes University. This approach aligns with our ongoing research initiatives at the Ruth Strauss Foundation, in collaboration with patient-driven organisations such as EGFR+ UK and ALK+ UK, which focus on supporting individuals with specific types of lung cancer.
Networking and Collaboration: Strengthening the Lung Cancer Community
Beyond the educational sessions and poster presentations, the LCNUK Conference offered us invaluable networking opportunities. These interactions are crucial for us at the Ruth Strauss Foundation in raising awareness of non-smoking lung cancer and promoting our family support services.
Furthermore, building partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders, means we can drive forward the conversation on lung cancer care. This collaboration is essential for advancing research, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring that all lung cancer patients, regardless of their smoking status, receive the best possible support.
Applying Insights from LCNUK Conference 2024 to Advance Lung Cancer Care
The LCNUK Conference 2024 offered valuable insights into the latest advances in lung cancer treatment, patient care, and research. By attending the event, we at the Ruth Strauss Foundation gained new perspectives and forged connections that will directly benefit our mission to support non-smoking lung cancer parents and their families.
“As we apply these insights and continue our work, our focus will be on turning these learnings into action,” said Deepa Doshi, Head of Mission Services at the Ruth Strauss Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that the knowledge shared at the conference translates into tangible improvements in patient outcomes and support services.”
